E90Post
 


Extreme Powerhouse
 
BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Suspension | Brakes | Chassis > ST Coilovers - Review?



Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      03-18-2011, 09:29 PM   #1
bimmertt
Lieutenant Colonel
bimmertt's Avatar
92
Rep
1,793
Posts

Drives: 2007 e92 335i
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Earth

iTrader: (7)

ST Coilovers - Review?

I was hoping to get some honest feedback on these coils. I have seen a lot of these coils for sale in the private market the past few months and I am not sure why. I understand they are identical to KW v1s except they use galvanized steel which is prone to rusting. If you are running these coils or if you ran these coils and sold, can you please provide a little review of how they handle and their durability?
Appreciate 0
      03-21-2011, 11:28 AM   #2
bimmertt
Lieutenant Colonel
bimmertt's Avatar
92
Rep
1,793
Posts

Drives: 2007 e92 335i
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Earth

iTrader: (7)

bump
Appreciate 0
      03-21-2011, 12:27 PM   #3
ModBargains.com
Banned
United_States
475
Rep
13,583
Posts

Drives: JB E92 335i
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: 1721 E. Lambert Rd #C, La Habra, CA 90631

iTrader: (51)

Coming from the makers of KW suspension systems the only main difference between the ST Variant 1 and KW Variant 1 is the steel they use. While KW uses Stainless Steel for their shock housing, ST uses Galvanized Steel. However, this does not mean a drop in quality, durability, or appearance. Although coilovers that use galvanized steel are more prone to corrosion due to environmental influences (i.e. mixture of salt water); those in the lower states: California, Texas, Florida, Nevada, etc. don't have to worry about corrosion. Those in the mid to upper States that snow still don't have much to worry about as long as they do not drive in heavy snow conditions upon where salt is used on roads. to further ensure those with doubt about Galvanized Steel, ST has corrosion resistant zinc plating on all of their threaded strut housings for further protection.
Appreciate 0
      03-21-2011, 12:35 PM   #4
Gavin@MMW
Brigadier General
Gavin@MMW's Avatar
United_States
406
Rep
3,879
Posts

Drives: MMW Supercharged E90 328i
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: 818/805

iTrader: (18)

The STv1 is a good coilover for the entry level, not to be confused with the Sonik Tuning system, which is a totally different system.

I have installed and driven on the STv1 system and the KWv1 system. the ride is exactly the same between the 2, as well as the drop rates. the difference is, KW's are stainless steel - and being in MD you will want a stainless system because you guys get snow and salt roads.

personally, Im running the Eibach pro street S coilover system in my car, whihc has Stainless steel shocks custom valved by KW for Eibach, with Eibachs springs. Its the perfect marriage of the 2 systems. They ride slightly more comfortable then the ST/KWv1 and can be dropped as low as your hear desires.

Let me know if you have any questions, Im happy to help you
Appreciate 0
      03-21-2011, 08:12 PM   #5
3X3=5
Lieutenant
3X3=5's Avatar
117
Rep
557
Posts

Drives: in a lot of traffic
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Seattle

iTrader: (8)

I had ST V1s on my car for a couple of months. The drop was great obviously since I can put it wherever I want it. The handling was nice and responsive, very easy to control and felt really confident around corners. That's the good. The bad is that they aren't adjustable and although they claim to be designed to provide the optimal combination of handling and ride comfort, at least for where I live in downtown Seattle the ride comfort was lacking. They were pretty harsh and hitting bumps was very jarring. The roads here do suck so if your area has decent streets you're probably fine. But for me there was no getting past the rough ride (it doesn't help that I'm on 19"s). Also, I experienced a minor but enough to be annoying seesawing effect when coming to a stop. The car would just sort of seesaw or rock front to back twice when I came to a complete stop. I posted it about, best guess was the rear subframe bushings are too soft for the stiffer spring rate. I never bothered investigating because swapping out those bushings gets expensive and creates a firmer ride. Overall I'd say these are good coils, though there have been some reports of the shocks failing early.

In the end I switched to Koni FSDs and Eibachs and I'm happy with good handling (not great) but a ride I can live with on a daily basis.
Appreciate 0
      03-21-2011, 09:38 PM   #6
1013mm
aka 1013MM
1013mm's Avatar
Hong Kong
1243
Rep
9,545
Posts

Drives: pokingly flush
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Los Angeles / HK

iTrader: (7)

Garage List
2009 135i  [8.26]
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=469037

helps.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      03-22-2011, 10:11 PM   #7
bimmertt
Lieutenant Colonel
bimmertt's Avatar
92
Rep
1,793
Posts

Drives: 2007 e92 335i
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Earth

iTrader: (7)

Thanks for the all the input guys!
Appreciate 0
      06-03-2013, 10:56 PM   #8
Alpha_Onion
Modaholic/Torque-Junkie
Alpha_Onion's Avatar
United_States
17
Rep
94
Posts

Drives: 2007 E90 335i (silver)
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Houston, TX

iTrader: (0)

Ok, so I'm a little confused about the adjustability of these. Apparently the height is adjustable but not the dampening. Does that mean the dampening automatically adjusts itself to the ride height? For example, if I lower the height, will the shocks automatically adjust themselves with the springs to become firmer?
__________________
2007 E90 335i Titanium Silver Metallic, Premium Package, Comfort Access Package
JB4 • Borla catback & midpipes • VRSF DP's • AFE DCI w/ scoops • 19" wheels • ST V1 • M3 control arms • UR strut brace • HID projector fogs • LED Blacklines • full LED conversion
Appreciate 0
      06-04-2013, 12:43 PM   #9
Alpha_Onion
Modaholic/Torque-Junkie
Alpha_Onion's Avatar
United_States
17
Rep
94
Posts

Drives: 2007 E90 335i (silver)
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Houston, TX

iTrader: (0)

Also, there is a site selling these that says wheel spacers are needed with OEM wheels. Has anyone had any clearance issues with these?
__________________
2007 E90 335i Titanium Silver Metallic, Premium Package, Comfort Access Package
JB4 • Borla catback & midpipes • VRSF DP's • AFE DCI w/ scoops • 19" wheels • ST V1 • M3 control arms • UR strut brace • HID projector fogs • LED Blacklines • full LED conversion
Appreciate 0
      06-04-2013, 05:27 PM   #10
bmwchin
Registered
0
Rep
3
Posts

Drives: 2007, 335i coupe
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Los Angeles, CA

iTrader: (0)

I just got these installed on my car just a few weeks ago and I can say I am satisfied. I only lowered it only 0.5" and it handles very nice. The ride firm but not harsh in anyway. This is my daily driver and rides better than stock for sure. No well spacers were required.
Appreciate 0
      06-04-2013, 06:37 PM   #11
wheen
Private First Class
23
Rep
163
Posts

Drives: f30
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Bellevue

iTrader: (4)

Quote:
Originally Posted by bmwchin View Post
I just got these installed on my car just a few weeks ago and I can say I am satisfied. I only lowered it only 0.5" and it handles very nice. The ride firm but not harsh in anyway. This is my daily driver and rides better than stock for sure. No well spacers were required.
What size are your wheels?
Appreciate 0
      06-13-2013, 11:11 PM   #12
bmwchin
Registered
0
Rep
3
Posts

Drives: 2007, 335i coupe
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Los Angeles, CA

iTrader: (0)

225/40/18 fronts and 255/35/18 rears
Appreciate 0
      06-14-2013, 02:53 PM   #13
Denny347
Major
Denny347's Avatar
347
Rep
1,076
Posts

Drives: 2008 M3 E90
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Indianapolis, IN

iTrader: (0)

Mine are getting installed on the 24th...can't wait.
Appreciate 0
      06-15-2013, 08:15 AM   #14
Turn In Concepts
Turn In Concepts's Avatar
United_States
10
Rep
172
Posts

Drives: 335i
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Cincinnati

iTrader: (0)

I run these on my daily driven 330 ZHP and really like them. They ride well after they break in and have a good valving for all around use. I highly recommend them for the money.

Tony
Appreciate 0
      06-20-2013, 04:54 PM   #15
6MTF80
Private First Class
12
Rep
126
Posts

Drives: 2007 335i
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: CA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gavin@MMW
The STv1 is a good coilover for the entry level, not to be confused with the Sonik Tuning system, which is a totally different system.
What is the difference between ST & Sonic in durability and quality?
Appreciate 0
      06-21-2013, 11:14 AM   #16
KwlAznKid
Brigadier General
KwlAznKid's Avatar
352
Rep
3,036
Posts

Drives: BMW/MERCEDES/PORSCHE
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Los Angeles/Fremont USC/UCSD Alum

iTrader: (6)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Alpha_Onion View Post
Also, there is a site selling these that says wheel spacers are needed with OEM wheels. Has anyone had any clearance issues with these?
i'm on ST set pretty low on oem rims, no problems at all
__________________
BMW E93 M3 / Mercedes Benz W209 CLK500
BMW E64 650I(sold) / BMW E92 328I(sold) / BMW E46 M3(sold) / BMW E92 335I(sold)
Porsche 996 911 C2(sold) / BMW E46 325CI(totaled)
Appreciate 0
      06-23-2013, 05:07 AM   #17
Alpha_Onion
Modaholic/Torque-Junkie
Alpha_Onion's Avatar
United_States
17
Rep
94
Posts

Drives: 2007 E90 335i (silver)
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Houston, TX

iTrader: (0)

Alright, stupid question alert.

What color are the ST V1 coilovers supposed to be? I have found a set of them online with yellow springs, and another set with the same brand name for the exact same price, but with lime green springs. Are these the same product?
__________________
2007 E90 335i Titanium Silver Metallic, Premium Package, Comfort Access Package
JB4 • Borla catback & midpipes • VRSF DP's • AFE DCI w/ scoops • 19" wheels • ST V1 • M3 control arms • UR strut brace • HID projector fogs • LED Blacklines • full LED conversion
Appreciate 0
      06-23-2013, 07:43 PM   #18
wheen
Private First Class
23
Rep
163
Posts

Drives: f30
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Bellevue

iTrader: (4)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Alpha_Onion View Post
Alright, stupid question alert.

What color are the ST V1 coilovers supposed to be? I have found a set of them online with yellow springs, and another set with the same brand name for the exact same price, but with lime green springs. Are these the same product?
The yellow should be ST (KW) and the green ones might be Sonic Tuning.
Appreciate 0
      06-25-2013, 11:22 PM   #19
Alpha_Onion
Modaholic/Torque-Junkie
Alpha_Onion's Avatar
United_States
17
Rep
94
Posts

Drives: 2007 E90 335i (silver)
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Houston, TX

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by wheen View Post
The yellow should be ST (KW) and the green ones might be Sonic Tuning.
Thank you, that clears things up so much
__________________
2007 E90 335i Titanium Silver Metallic, Premium Package, Comfort Access Package
JB4 • Borla catback & midpipes • VRSF DP's • AFE DCI w/ scoops • 19" wheels • ST V1 • M3 control arms • UR strut brace • HID projector fogs • LED Blacklines • full LED conversion
Appreciate 0
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:16 PM.




e90post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST